The Ultimate Japan Ski Guide To Make the Most of Your Winter Holiday

If we had to sum up Japan’s ski season in one sentence it would be: come for the snow, stay for the hospitality, cuisine, hot springs and culture! That’s what makes Japan such a sought after winter sport destination. Just image, you’ve spent a day carving up powder on the mountain, to then have an afternoon bev during après ski, to then go soak in an onsen/hot spring, to then devour some delicious ramen, to then bust out a tune at a late-night karaoke joint. Sounds pretty ideal, right? We think so!

But knowing where to go, when to go and what to expect for the Japan ski season can be a bit confusing, so we’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you live for the send or are one bad run away from ending up on Jerry of the Day IG account, we’ve got you covered on all the need-to-know info for your Japan ski trip! 

Japan is known for being one of the top winter sport destinations in the world! Calling international skiers and snowboarders to flock to it once the legendary snow starts to fall, also known as Japow, thanks to the cold winds that blow over the Sea of Japan. 

The best month to go skiing in Japan depends on what experience you’re after and where you plan on carving up that Japow. Snowfall in Japan generally starts mid-November around Hokkaido, with Rusutsu, Niseko and Kiroro usually the first to open (depending on the snowfall of course). December to February usually sees the most powder snow that makes the Japan ski season so famous. Here’s a breakdown for you:

Need some help getting around Japan? A JR Pass is the way to go! With this you can get access to the majority of all JR railways, local buses, and even the Miyajima Ferry. 

No matter where you go for a ski season, temperatures are always going to be chilly! For Japan, the resorts in the northern part of the country like Hokkaido, Tamagata and Aomori can drop to a low of -20 up to about +2 or 3 degrees. 

Where resorts near Nagano and Niigata have a slightly less chilly range from -10 to +5 degrees. Japan winter is known for its heavy snowfalls and low temps so make sure you’ve packed plenty of beanies, gloves, waterproof jackets and thermals! 

Yes! Japan’s snow season is widely regarded as some of the best in the world amongst the skiing community - and it’s easy to see why. With some of the freshest, high quality snow Japan has increasingly become a winter sport paradise. 

If you’re keen on a Japan snow season but not sure where to go, don’t worry. We’ve scouted out the 6 top Japan ski resorts so you can spend less time planning and more time sending it!

Get the best of both worlds with Hakuba 47’s winter sports park (take on the half-pipe or perfect that triple backflip in the park) & Goryu (more beginner friendly, plus they have pretty awesome night skiing). The beauty of these mountains is they are connected at the peak so you only need one pass to access both! This is a good option for English speaking visitors, however there isn’t much happening off the mountain with only a handful of places to stop in for food and drinks, and little accommodation. 

Don’t let price put a stop your Japan skiing dream! Send it on a budget at one of the cheapest ski resorts without missing out on incredible powder at Sapporo Teine. While good for beginners and experts (intermediate not so much, sorry) this isn’t the biggest ski resort in Japan, but it definitely makes up for it with it’s steepness (plus the incredible all-in-one snow, sea and city views at the Highland Zone). 

Looking for some off-mountain fun? Check out this Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo which includes a visit to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, where you can meet penguins, polar bears, seals and more. 

Say hello to endless powder at picturesque Niesko. Perfect for international snowboarders and skiers alike, Niesko caters for English speakers, plus they have easy transport to and from the mountain and accommodation for every budget. There’s plenty of snow to go around on the groomed runs and the incredible off piste terrain (18 metres annually), including mind-blowing volcano crater skiing at the summit. No wonder this ski resort brings in the crowds!

Time to live out your Winter Olymic dreams at Happo One! This famous ski resort hosted the 1998 Winter Olypics and is one of the most sought after ski fields in Hakuba Valley. With fantastic terrain, nightlife, shopping and both Western and traditional Japanese restuarants, what’s not to love! Perfect for more intermediate skiiers and snowboarders, Happo One boasts some incredible alpine backcountry with steep bowls and is well known for its consistent and super dry powder snow conditions. 

Time to play in some of the deepest snow you’ll ever see! This less-crowded Japan ski field is know for its versatility, with trails to suit beginners and experienced skiers alike. Rusutsu isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for a party every night, but def a spot to indulge in a bit of luxury with thermal hot spring baths to soothe your sore muscles after carving the Japow all day. 

What’s better than sinking into a hot bath after a day on the slopes? Sinking into one of Nozawa’s famous onsens of course! This charming hot spring village has grown in popularity recently for it’s ski offering with a variety of great terrain (over 50Kms of trails and piste) and it’s off-mountain attractions, adding some spice to it’s traditional Japanese charm with an amazing après ski bar and restaurant selection, plus karaoke joints for those who love to belt out a tune! 

Nozawa is also super family friendly with English speaking ski school instructors, and a free weekend ‘Kids Park’ with sledding, tubing and even a bouncy castle.